Cracks In The Sidewalk: Reasons Why & How To Repair Damage

Reasons Why The Sidewalk Is Cracked

Concrete is a very versatile construction material that is great at withstanding a tremendous amount of weight. That is why this material is commonly used for sidewalks, driveways, and other foundations.

However, concrete also features a low tensile strength, which is an alternative way of saying it is brittle. Concrete’s brittleness will pop up when weight is put on it and there is nothing to support it underneath. Oftentimes, this causes the concrete to become uneven and sink.

The Soil Beneath The Slab Is Too Dry

During drought-like conditions, the soil under the slab may dry out and shrink. The shrinking will create spaces or voids that reduce the concrete’s support, overall. The concrete above will eventually crack and sink. The gaps then lead to cracks or crumbling of the sidewalk. If the issue persists, you may have to repair a large area of concrete.

The Soil Beneath The Slab Is Not Compacted

This may be the most common reason for sidewalk cracks. Poor soil conditions routinely result in cracks and crumbling of the concrete. Specific types of fill soil, such as clay, will absorb more water than other types of dirt. If the fill soil underneath the concrete is not compacted correctly, it may absorb water and swell at different rates.

This can result in a shifting of the concrete slabs. Settlement cracks occur when the soil below the concrete moves. Plus, when the cracks enlarge, they can lead to other issues.

The Soil Beneath The Slab Is Wet

Following periods of dryness, the rain will eventually return. When the rain comes back, the water then has an easier pathway under the slab due to cracks and crevices left behind during the dry times. The soil under the slab will wash away or ultimately become too soft and wet to support the above concrete.

Water can also swell clay-rich soil and the resulting expansion can cause a sidewalk to stress the concrete in different ways. If you have ever stubbed a toe on an uneven slab, this is a result of the soil beneath being far too wet.

How To Repair Cracks In The Sidewalk

Sometimes, fixing cracks in the sidewalk is not a DIY project. The team at Black & Gray Asphalt Co. in Phoenix, Arizona, is equipped to handle all kinds of sidewalk repairs. Black & Gray Asphalt Co. offers complete residential & commercial concrete and asphalt maintenance programs. Contact us today!

Asphalt & Concrete Maintenance In Phoenix, AZ By Black & Gray Asphalt Co.

Doing business in the Valley since 1981 with one owner, Black & Gray Asphalt Co. has built and unmatched reputation for reliability, service, and quality workmanship. Our customers will tell you they come to Black & Gray Asphalt Co. because, no matter what the project’s size or complexity, we can do the job from start to finish. It’s the customers that are responsible for our success. We never forget that our continued success depends on satisfied customers. Contact us today!